Mihkelson: Burnham has sufficient experience to lead the UK for three years

Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Riigikogu's Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that the UK's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has adequate political experience to remain in power for the next three years. According to Mihkelson, Burnham's foreign policy positions are very positive from Estonia's perspective, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and increased defence spending.

Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Riigikogu's Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that the UK's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sufficient versatile political experience to lead the country for the next three years. Mihkelson offered his assessment on the "Aktuaalne Kaamera" programme, where he commented on Keir Starmer's departure from office and Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister.

Why did Starmer fall?

In Mihkelson's view, Starmer was undone by substantial flip-flopping on various issues and the fact that Labour's popularity has halved since the election. "I believe the significant flip-flopping on various issues, combined with the fact that Labour's own popularity has halved since the election, led to his downfall," Mihkelson explained.

Regarding Burnham, Mihkelson emphasized that the new Prime Minister arrived in parliament with strong backing. Burnham has been a member of the British parliament for 16 years, served twice as a minister, and has been Mayor of Manchester for the past decade. According to Mihkelson, Labour expects more decisive leadership from him, especially given that the UK has seen four different Prime Ministers over the past four years.

Foreign policy remains on course

The more important question for Estonia is the direction of the UK's foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine. Mihkelson is optimistic on this front: "Although Burnham has not been very vocal on foreign policy, his known positions have been very positive from our perspective."

Mihkelson highlighted that Burnham is particularly clear and forceful on the issue of increasing defence spending. The new Prime Minister advocates for a three percent defence spending target and believes that fiscal policy should not prevent the UK from moving faster in that direction. "His views are such that we can say our very important ally will clearly stay the course," Mihkelson added.

It is also noteworthy that Burnham has stated he believes the UK will rejoin the European Union during his lifetime; Burnham is 56 years old.